I doubt that there is anyone who hasn’t heard something about the COVID-19 virus!  I want to remind you right up front that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

It is in that sound judgment from God that I want to talk with you about what Lakeview Chapel is doing and planning for the days and weeks ahead to take precautions that we pray will protect one another and keep our church family healthy.

The Lakeview Chapel family of believers WILL GATHER THIS SUNDAY, March 15^th at 10:00 am for worship. We will also continue our 9:30 am coffee and snack Fellowship Time this Sunday and evaluate that plan week to week.  As always, feel free to bring personal refreshments if you like.

God gave Moses health and cleanliness commands to His people Israel in order to protect them from disease and sickness. We believe that He wants us to follow similar prudent precautions to protect the family of God today.

So here are ways that you can help us all maintain a safe and clean environment at the church during this time when many are more susceptible to infection:

• Avoid contact greetings (handshakes and hugs) Be creative! Bow, wave, Vulcan greeting, elbow bump, peace sign (you’re over 60 for sure!), etc.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing Happy Birthday in your head twice!) and use the hand sanitizers that are available in the restrooms as needed.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• If you are feeling unwell for any reason (fever, cough, shortness of breath), please rest at home. 

• If you need to cough or sneeze, please consider others and cover it well. 

• If you are part of a small group, please contact your leader to see if there are changes in your protocol or location

In the days to come we are actively making plans to provide ministry to those who are unable to attend for health reasons.  

Currently, the sermon audio is available online at lakeviewowego.com/media/sermon-audio/ and we are preparing with the A/V Team to live stream the sermon as well.

The Deacons and other Church leaders are currently available to provide assistance to the aged, infirm, or otherwise in need of help.  If you find yourself in need please call the church office so we can find ways we can serve.  If you are able and willing to help with such ministry, you don’t need to have an official title to be a Good Samaritan.  But if you would contact the church about the needs you are supplying, we will be able to coordinate our efforts better.

We already have dedicated servants who keep our church clean. Thank them!  And cooperate by cleaning up things that you see at the church as well.  We will increase our intentionality to disinfect surfaces around the church as much as possible.

If the situation worsens and there are confirmed cases of infection in our area, we will increase our diligence by doing things like:

• Changing how we pass communion or offering plates but provide safer options like offering boxes at the doors and individually sealed communion elements

• Replacing small group meetings with video calls or live streaming options

I know this is a lot to take in and is a change from our comfortable routine. But through all of this, please don’t lose sight of the truth that Jesus is our Healer.  And while we follow sensible precautions, our hope is not in soaps, masks or isolation.

So even with these boundaries, keep representing God well.  Show His love in appropriate and practical ways to those who need it most.  Always let our family in Christ and our community clearly see Jesus through our words and actions.

I am thrilled to be part of our wonderful Lakeview Chapel family!  I look forward to seeing you Sunday! And we will do our best to keep you informed as the situation changes.  Also, if you know someone from the church who does not have access to email, would you please contact them and pass this information along.  Thank you all so much and God bless you in every way!

Pastor Dave